Katatonia
Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State
A Haunting Journey of Darkness and Hope – the New Masterpiece by Sweden’s Grand
Seigneurs of Gloom!
Nightmares have never sounded so beautiful! Swedish grandeurs of melancholic heaviness,
KATATONIA, return with Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State, set for release on
June 6, 2025 via Napalm Records. Once again, the Stockholm-based unit masterfully
navigates the tightrope act between nocturnal darkness and Scandinavian despair while
subtly weaving a sense of hope into the listener’s heart. Since emerging in the early nineties,
KATATONIA has projected a beacon of light for the forgotten and the lonely ones, offering
solace to those willing to lose themselves in the band’s immersive soundscapes. From their
roots in death-doom metal to the post-metal entity they embody today, their art remains as
haunting as ever. Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State marks the next step in
KATATONIA’s evolution, building upon the foundation of their previous album, Sky Void of
Stars (2023). Crystal-clear production highlights the interplay between silence and intensity,
while the contrast of heavy riffs, delicate guitar harmonies, ethereal synthesizers, and
atmospheric nuances create captivating tension. Tracks like "Thrice" and "Warden" pulse
with dynamic energy, while "Lilac" sees Jonas Renkse’s unmistakable vocals intertwining with
hypnotic rhythms and progressive elements. A near-ceremonial piece, "Wind of No Change",
merges subtle electronic textures with KATATONIA’s enigmatic soundscapes, while
"Temporal" balances fragility and strength - its intense verses culminating in a soaring,
emotionally charged chorus. The breathtaking "Efter Solen" (Engl. After the Sun), featuring
Swedish lyrics, mesmerizes with ...
Lineup:
Jonas Renkse - Vocals
Niklas Sandin - Bass
Daniel Moilanen - Drums
Nico Elgstrand - Guitar
Sebastian Svalland - Guitar
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